It’s summertime and time to drag out the swim suit, big hat and sunscreen! With increasing awareness of the potentially harmful chemicals found in many commercial sunscreens, more people are turning to natural and DIY alternatives to protect their skin.

Creating your own sunscreen at home allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring they are safe and beneficial for your skin while still providing effective protection against the sun’s harmful rays. Here’s a simple DIY sunscreen recipe, free from harmful chemicals, that you can make with easily accessible ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup almond oil (or olive oil)
• 1/4 cup coconut oil (natural SPF 4-5)
• 1/4 cup beeswax
• 2 tablespoons zinc oxide (non-nano, uncoated)
• 1 teaspoon red raspberry seed oil (optional, natural SPF 25-50)
• 1 teaspoon carrot seed oil (optional, natural SPF 35-40)
• 2 tablespoons shea butter (natural SPF 4-6)
• 10 drops of essential oils (lavender, coconut, etc. – optional for scent)

Instructions:

1. Double Boiler Method:
   • In a double boiler or a glass bowl over a pot of boiling water, combine the almond oil, coconut oil, beeswax, and shea butter. Stir occasionally until all ingredients are melted and well combined.
2. Add Zinc Oxide:
   • Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Add the zinc oxide carefully (avoid inhaling the powder). Stir until thoroughly mixed.
3. Optional Ingredients:
   • Add the red raspberry seed oil, carrot seed oil, and essential oils if using. Mix well.
4. Storage:
   • Pour the mixture into a glass jar or tin for storage. Allow it to cool completely before putting the lid on.
5. Usage:
   • Apply generously to the skin before sun exposure. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

Tips:

• Patch Test: Always do a patch test before applying any new product to your skin to ensure there are no allergic reactions.
• SPF Note: DIY sunscreens may not offer as consistent SPF protection as commercial products. Be mindful and monitor your skin’s reaction to sun exposure.

Why These Ingredients?

• Zinc Oxide: Provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays without harmful chemicals.
• Coconut Oil, Shea Butter: Provide natural moisturizing properties and minor SPF protection.
• Red Raspberry Seed Oil, Carrot Seed Oil: Have high natural SPF properties and add extra protection.

Caution:

• Homemade sunscreens may not be as effective as commercial sunscreens. It’s crucial to monitor your skin and ensure you are adequately protected from the sun.

This recipe uses natural ingredients known for their sun-protective properties while avoiding harmful chemicals found in many commercial sunscreens.